JoeF

Pooj...made my night with this 12 minutes...Thanks! Chef -- saw Government Mule in February at the Durham Performing Arts Center -- fantastic show. They just jam -- its great.

Happy Easter my friends.... My thoughts today as we celebrate the rising of the savior for my fellow christians and eat lots of pastel died candy..first I hope you spend the day surrounded by loved ones with lots of laughter, hugs and fun. Yes, these wishes extend even to the crumudgeons, like well -- most of you old timers (like me). Musings today (add your own or trash mine): 1) Bon Jovi was the highest grossing concert artist last year, grossing over $200 million on all sell out shows. Wonder if he has considered the villian reputation he would get from moving an NFL franchise from a decent and loyal city that has alumni all around the country. Face it-- he's an aging artist who gets by some on nostalgia -- people my age (53) and a little younger and older, trying to recapture youth for a night. Wonder how it would feel to have medium sized (50 or more people) protests at every concert. Bills fans are a boisterous, obnoxious (probably a bit hammered) group. Reputation seems to matter a lot to John Francis Bongiovi. Moving the Bills won't enhance that. Worse --there may be a larger backlash -- like the anger felt from fans around the league for the Irsays and Art Modell. 2) I like the fact that EJ got the boys together in California for workouts. What's even more impressive is that he scripted every route and every play according to Brandon Kauffman. EJ wants to be a star. That's about 60% of the challenge -- he is mentally there. The other 40% is a combination of quick recognition, supreme confidence on the field, accuracy and durability. We are going to find out this year if he can step up in the QB skills piece of this. A lot of accuracy is footwork; a lot of recognition is knowing where you are going to put the ball before its snapped. He struggles with both areas...only game reps can help these two skills in my opinion. 3) With new ownership, Marrone and Whaley have to be in win now mode. I would hope the new ownership would give them time, but that's probably not very realistic. They are taking some risks with a reputed me first guy in Spikes and Mr. "off the field transgressions" Mike WIlliams...but both are essentially cheap one year deals..If the Bills don't break .500 they are in trouble and its too bad...I think their working relationship and their skills will help build a winner just maybe not in 2014--particularly if EJ can't step up. 4) I think the Bills are set at the safety position but will draft a corner. Corey Graham has really good range, read and recognition skills and will thrive in the position. Its time for him to make this transition. The great thing is that on slot downs -- he can slide down to a corner slot if teams go 4 wide and pick up a slot receiver. Not worried about our secondary but I do believe the Bills draft a corner early to challenge Ron Brooks. Nickell Robey is a diamond -- who will continue to see the field on over 50% of the D snaps. 5) I will miss Jairus Byrd, but watching the film Byrd made a lot of interceptions on overthrows. Only a couple of times like the 2012 Miami game his interceptions were on what would have been great throws but his tremendous recognition and range got him to the ball. The Bills will miss this, especially early in the season -- but I think a combination of Aaron Williams improvement and Corey Graham learning the role will allow the Bills to miss it less than we think. Remember that the Bills problems in the secondary last year early in the year were related to Justin Rogers inability to cover -- just huge burns -- see Ted Ginn TD against the Panthers...some of that is Safety help -- but most of its corner. 6) As to the draft...I think the Bills have 6 positions rated highly for the first four rounds...these are DE, LB, OT, TE, WR, CB-- who over is rated highest on their board at these positions when the picks are due will be drafted. Its a combination of BPA crossed with need. This draft is 4 rounds deep with 2nd round talent from all accounts....it should be a good infusion of talent -- but every team has the same opportunity. 7) The Jim Kelly involvement with Trump gives me a whole different, much more positive take on The Donald's ownership. Jim and Mr. Trump met as a result of the USFL and have always gotten a long well. The idea at the end of the league was to take the Gamblers and NJ Generals talent, merge it and then go into the NFL. My boss at the Gamblers actually offered me a job with the new team if it all worked out (I would have jumped at it). Sadly it didn't work out but it formed a great Kelly/Trump bond. If I recall, Jim had signed a personal services contract with Mr. Trump in advance of a team being formed -- They graciouslly agreed to terminate it when the idea of a combined team fell apart and Jim came to Buffalo. However the bond was formed. The biggest hurdle to this ownership group is the other NFL owners -- but I think this is where Jim can carry the most positive impact--Jim's involvement will help get this proposed ownership through the other owners. Jim can portray better than anyone what Mr. Wilson wanted for the future of the franchise and the other owners will respect that. That will trump Trump's bad reputation. 8) Its been a sad year so far with Mr. Wilson's passing and Jim Kelly's cancer -- on this day of resurrection and renewal, if you are moved, say a little prayer for both families. 9) The Bills first preseason game is against the Giants -- what's that mean--bad news for the Giants (Sorry I watched the old style Bad News Bears last night)....OTAs start Tuesday -- draft in less than three weeks...hope you are tanned, rested and ready my friends.

Prayers and condolences. Warm thoughts associated with good memories as well.

RIP Mr. Wilson. Thank you for this gift you have given all of us for the last 54 years. Thank you for sticking with a town and a people. Thank you for being a blue collar maverick -- the perfect owner for Buffalo. God bless your family.

No offense taken jboys...my wife looked at that picture and said I look younger at 53 than at 23...clean shaven, close to shaved head and in much better shape. Okay back to Jimbo....God Bless him... #KellyStrong #PrayersforJK Former Houston beat cop. About 6'5" and a solid 240...no way you !@#$ed with Marvin. I asked him one day what happened to the guy who messed him up -- he just said it was three and none of them lived to tell about it. Great man. Jimbo loved Marvin and we had a Houston police officer attached to the team. Just say -- they helped Jim a lot.... Last thing about the Gamblers. Jack Pardee was the most honorable and one of if not the greatest human being I have had the chance to work with (God rest his soul). The comeback game was a double edged sword for me because he was the opposing coach. In fact -- the whole Oilers coaching staff was basically a redo from the Gamblers...

That is the definition of cheesy isn't it? Too funy :D Overcompensating for going bald at 23...

He took every advantage of being young, well paid and a pro athlete. There was always a humility about him -- and his mom and dad were aces. He had a strong family--I know that is helping him right now. Okay I don't want to turn this into a LAMP. All I can say is I worked with him some 30 years ago and not very closely -- but interacted some. In total -- considering the good and bad, he was and is a wholly decent human being who has had his share of tragedy. I found him very worthy of prayers and hope during this difficult time. I hope and pray he lives to see our first super bowl win...

I had nothing to do with his eventual decision sodbuster--I can assure you of that. The Bills and Mr. Wilson's checkbook had more to do with that. http://www.houston-g....com/id215.html I was the promotions intern.....

I worked for the Houston Gamblers as an intern during the 1985 season. It was to finish my master's degree in Sports Administration. Got to know Jim and the Kelly family during that time. Its hard for me to think about Jim having this horrible disease. Never met anyone with a will and fervor to win like Jim's. He will always be bullet proof in my eyes. An amazing man with a great mom and dad and a loyal group of brothers. One story. During the 85 season the Bills sent Greg Bell down to recruit Jim to Buffalo. Jim was dead set against going to the Bills. He knew I was from Buffalo and a rabid Bills fan from the occaisonal Bills gear I would wear. One day near the end of the season he asks me what I think about him going to the Bills. I said -- you could hold out for a trade, you could leverage to get where you want to play (Oilers, Dolphins, Steelers were high on the list), but know that Buffalo is similar to where you grew up-- the hunting, fishing, etc is awesome, the media is less demanding and its a great place to live. You will be an idol from day one. He laughed and said he didn't think we could ever win. I said if they have you-- I know the Bills could win. That was it...never talked to him about it again. Never really stayed in contact with him-- talked to Danny a few times over the years -- but every ounce of me is praying for him to beat this.

Belichick wasn't even there for the visit...had to be a bit of a slam.

Hope he passes the damn pee test....jeez. This rumor is really breaking new ground. We have advanced into the realm of medical examination rumors. Every day I come to the board hoping for a rettata, a Siefert airport sighting, a Belinda or something epic. These days are rare. Enjoy it my friends.

Great idea. A lucky fan gets to participate in the running of the Buffalo before each regular season home game. Survive and get upgraded seats. Get trampled and get a small memorial placed in the field house. Sponsored by Kaleida Health.

Williams developed so much this year. The Bills have McKelvin, Gilmore and Robey locked up relatively cheaply for 3 more years each--spend the money on safety that other teams would spend on Corner....The Bills are in great shape even if we pay Williams and Byrd a combined $14-15M per year.

I am so sorry Westie. Prayers to you and family. Know that your friends -- even your virtual ones at TBD are sending you love and support.

I am so so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers. Westie--I have a close friend who lost a spouse to cancer about 4 years ago. It was quick -- a 4 month period. They were soulmates, high school sweethearts, just getting ready to retire in a couple of years. He felt the same way you do-- how does he go home? How did he carry on? A couple of things helped. He didn't avoid grieving -- he talked about how much he missed her all the time-- and his friends were willing to listen. We gave him space to be alone at times but also -- at least 3 or 4 nights a week, made sure one of us was with him. There was a large, large group willing to do this. We would go for coffee and chat for a couple of hours or go to HS or college sporting events or dinner. He would talk a lot and we would just listen. He says now that during that first year these things helped, but there is no magic formula. The grief never really goes away he tells me -- but he was always a community volunteer -- and he immersed himself in some activities and got involved in a new business venture. Two years post -- he started to date again and at this report is in love again. I know its hard today to think this far out -- but you still have a lot to contribute in your life and your strength through this honors your wife as much if not more than your grief. All of us are willing to help. Let us know.

After cutting Kolb or Kolb retiring -- the Bills will likely have the least amount of cap dollars invested in the QB position in the league. Did EJ show you enough last year to not bring in competition and invest more resources in the most important position on the field? If you say yes -- ignore this post because its just going to piss you off.... If I were Whaley I would address three or four need positions in FA -- Byrd, RG, LB, TE and give yourself some options so that if a QB you like is there at #1 the Bills can take him. Prove to all of us this is a new era...this would be tangible proof. At 9 -- you get a player for less than $4 Million a year for a five year deal (Bonus included) -- peanuts for a QB. All four of our QB salaries wouldn't add up to a mid tier starter. This FO has proven it can unearth talent -- rely on that a bit and solidify the most important position for the long term. What's this all mean- to me? It means lay off TIm Graham. He asked a legit question in a legit way -- EJ needs to mature. You aren't a God in Tallahassee any more--you get paid to play.

If the BIlls lose some weight, start working out and get a little buff, start buying see through stuff at Lululemon (poor analogy for making the playoffs)....you gonna come back? You're always welcome...the Bills tent is a large one....give us your tired, your hungry, those that lack the extreme persistence it takes to hang in there...

Chihuahua smokes Camels? Thought Chihuahuas were more Kiss smokers or another thin brand...

My guess it would be that and allowing 20 yard runs in quantities that would embarrass a high school team....

Bring in someone who understands how to coach gap control.....also need a stout and disciplined run defender to pair with Kiko on first and second downs to allow Kiko to create even more plays. Someone has to stay home and fill holes while Kiko runs around like his hair is on fire...

Does this mean all the Redskins pc's, laptops, tablets and servers are going to continually crash and their web site will lock? Oh...sorry Jay Gruden not Jay Rosen....

For a guy sure to see a lot of snaps -- this is a damn good deal. Carrington would be a bonus at this point. Because of the injury he might be smart to take a one or two year deal -- maybe 2 years, 3.5 million, $1.5 million signing bonus with bases at the vet min for his experience. He competes for a roster spot with Bryant (who has been pretty good) and Charles. Bills have a lot of guys on D they have to pay in the next few years...Byrd, Aaron Williams, Dareus, Hughes but they also have some players in rookie contracts for a while that are quite friendly -- Kiko, Robey, Gilmore--The D has a chance to stay pretty stable and formidable for the next three years. I would still offer Byrd a top tier contract-- let Aaron Williams go at contract end (That is really, really tough to write) and keep Leonhard at the vet min.) and let Dareus play next year without a new deal. Byrd -- 6 years -- $45 million, $18 million guaranteed, salaries $1 million, $4 million, $5 million, $5 million, $6 million, $6 million....Hughes has blossomed but after next year someone will pay him more than the Bills want to...the question is can the Bills replicate his production and I think they can cheaper by drafting someone this year and giving him a year to develop. One thing that struck me about next year's cap analysis is that we save $6 million on the 2014 cap by cutting Pears and Kolb....

If we start drafting all OL we will know that Doug Whaley is truly a robot being controlled by Bill. Nice call Bill.

God bless westside. PM any of us if you need food delivered or anything. Things we can do remotely/virtually for you are easy and know that any of us would love to help you in a tangible way.

Where have I seen this movie???? Is it the Drew Bledsoe story or the Ryan Fitzpatrick sequel. We extend him after the first 5 games and then we go in the crapper again.